10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT HOME

Desperate times, call for desperate measures.  Originally our post focused on what to do and where in Essex County for St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17th.  Under the current circumstances, and with health officials suggesting that we all consider staying at home, we’ve found some fun ways to celebrate this annual Irish holiday from the comforts of home.

1.  Drink a Guinness

Guinness really is the official drink of St. Patrick’s Day. Whether or not you’re usually into the stout beer, indulge in a pint this holiday and toast to Irish roots. If you haven’t had one in a while, you’ll be reminded of how creamy and delicious it is.

2.  Have an Irish Coffee.

If you’re not a Guinness girl, Irish Coffees make the tastiest — and most festive — cocktails to drink on March 17th. Try this delicious recipe, which features brown sugar for extra sweetness. There’s a healthy amount of Irish whiskey in here to keep you toasty, so savor it slowly.

3.  Discover some new Irish music.

Irish music is much more than U2 and Enya. Ireland is home to many famous singers, and a great way to pay tribute to the holiday is to dance around your house or belt out some tunes sung by your favorite Irish artists. Some other singers to put on your St. Patty’s Day playlist: Hozier, Niall Horan, Bono, Sinead O’Connor, and Van Morrison.

4.  Fill your Twitter timeline with Irish people that will make you laugh.

These Jackeen’s will help turn your timeline green on St. Patrick’s Day.

5.  Learn to drink tea like an Irish person. 

Pick a side in the debate that divides the nation. Two brands of tea rule Ireland: Barry’s and Lyons and everyone has a preference. Try them both and pick a side. And don’t forget, the milk always goes in after the tea. If you manage that, move on to crisps — they’re an equally contentious topic.

6.  Give to a green cause.

Concern Worldwide is one of the largest international charities based in Ireland that provides food, shelter, and healthcare to those in need. Consider donating water or supplies at ConcernGifts.org.

7.  Watch some stunning drone footage of Ireland.

Ireland has beautiful landscapes, even more so when seen from above. It’s easy to see how Johnny Cash wrote “Forty Shades of Green” after visiting the country.

8.  Make yourself the perfect Irish breakfast.

This recipe is a different take on the traditional, Irish “fry up” from the people behind Forkful. Their ethos is to make simple food look beautiful. They make boxty (one of the best things you can make from a potato) with a poached egg and kale.

9.  Check if you’re eligible for an Irish passport.

If one of your grandparents is an Irish citizen who was born in Ireland, but none of your parents were born in Ireland, you may become an Irish citizen. However, unless at least one parent or an Irish-born grandparent was an Irish citizen a when you were born, you cannot claim Irish citizenship on the basis of extended previous ancestry.  Follow your research here.

10.  Book a Room at The Grove Hotel and plan a trip to Ireland.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Ireland myself, and I highly recommend that you add it to your own bucketlist.  It’s an amazing experience of beautiful landscapes and unsurpassed culture that you will never forget.  So why not BOOK A ROOM at The Grove Hotel, sit back with a pint of Guinness, rock those Irish tunes and jump on our free wifi to make your plans.

Ok, there’s really nothing else left to do.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.